No problem in containers, make sure they're deep and free draining.
90% of nursery plants are container grown, up to 4 years old, after that I daresay you'd need quite a big container.

Pine needles shouldn't be too much problem but watch out for too much shade, they get good summer shade from deciduous trees, but all winter shade as well will lead them to be spindley and without flowers.

Hellebores love shade "for part of the day".

Cheers Greenmanplants